The Best River Cruises in the USA

Journey Along the Waterways: Unlock the Hidden Gems

the USA

Get ready to embark on a truly remarkable adventure as you set sail on a river cruise in the USA. Prepare to be captivated by breathtaking landscapes, immerse yourself in local cultures, and enjoy the utmost relaxation. Great for museums & attractions, food, nightlife, and music, it's easy to see why the USA is such a fun destination. We've meticulously evaluated numerous river cruises based on price, guest ratings, comfort, cuisine, excursions, and activities, all to find the absolute best ships and sailing itineraries in the USA. These journeys provide a seamless and unforgettable experience, allowing you to simply sit back, relax, and enjoy every moment of your holiday.


The Top 3 Cruises:

  • 14 Days, $3814.00

  • 16 Days, $4623.00

  • 9 Days, $2400.00
USA
The Best River Cruises through the USA

All tour prices are listed in US Dollars before taxes, and come from a base price that is reported by TourRadar. Peak season prices can vary significantly, particularly in destinations where seasonal travel fluctuates dramatically. While we do our best to evaluate all tours to maintain accuracy, always confirm the details directly with TourRadar or the tour company before booking. The information provided on this website is sourced directly from TourRadar and may change at any time.

Organized by Cosmos 14 Days Calgary to Vancouver 14 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for river cruises in the USA.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Efficient: you'll cover a variety of destinations swiftly.

Great for:
  • Animal Lovers
  • Culture Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 5.0 rating

Age Range: 5 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 50
Price per Day: $271

This cruise visits Calgary, Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Banff, Jasper, Prince George, Jasper National Park, Spirit Island, Mount Robson Provincial Park, Smithers, Prince Rupert, Inside Passage, Port Hardy, Chemainus, Victoria, The Butchart Gardens, Vancouver, and Whistler.

  • Wildlife
  • Sightseeing
  • In-depth Cultural
  • Family
  • River Cruise
  • Partially Guided

By Cosmos
Cosmos is a budget-friendly sister brand of Globus, providing affordable guided tours with essential sightseeing and comfortable accommodations. They aim to make travel accessible while still including expert-led experiences and transportation, often appealing to value-conscious travelers.



$3,664
on TourRadar

Organized by Cosmos 16 Days Calgary to Vancouver 14 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for river cruises in the USA.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Efficient: you'll cover a variety of destinations swiftly.
  • Great for Culture Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 5.0 rating

Age Range: 5 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 50
Price per Day: $290

This cruise visits Calgary, Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Banff, Jasper, Prince George, Jasper National Park, Spirit Island, British Columbia, Mount Robson Provincial Park, Inside Passage, Victoria, Vancouver, Smithers, Prince Rupert, Port Hardy, Chemainus, and The Butchart Gardens.

  • Sightseeing
  • In-depth Cultural
  • Family
  • River Cruise
  • Partially Guided

By Cosmos
Cosmos is a budget-friendly sister brand of Globus, providing affordable guided tours with essential sightseeing and comfortable accommodations. They aim to make travel accessible while still including expert-led experiences and transportation, often appealing to value-conscious travelers.



$4,473
on TourRadar

Organized by Truly Egypt Tours 9 Days Start/End in Cairo 14 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for river cruises in the USA.
  • Efficient: you'll cover a variety of destinations swiftly.

Great for:
  • Culture Lovers
  • History Enthusiasts

starstarstarstarstar 4.5 rating

Age Range: 16 to 71
Maximum Group Size: 15
Price per Day: $267

This cruise visits Cairo, Cairo, Giza, Memphis, Saqqarah, Memphis, Luxor, Valley of the Kings, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Agilkia Island, Aswan, Philae, and Abu Simbel.

  • In-depth Cultural
  • Historical
  • River Cruise
  • Fully Guided

By Truly Egypt Tours
Truly Egypt Tours is a smaller tour company providing personalized service with a focus on Egypt. Budget travelers will appreciate the relative affordability of the company's offerings.



$2,400
on TourRadar

Organized by Collette 9 Days Chicago to Detroit 6 Destinations

Great for:
  • Culture Lovers
  • History Enthusiasts

starstarstarstarstar 4.8 rating

Age Range: 5 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 44
Price per Day: $511

This cruise visits Chicago, Mackinac Island, Holland, Grand Rapids, Frankenmuth, Detroit, Southfield, and Dearborn.

  • Sightseeing
  • In-depth Cultural
  • Historical
  • River Cruise
  • Fully Guided

By Collette
Collette is a long-established tour operator offering guided tours with a balance of structured sightseeing and free time. Their trips range from classic group tours to small-group explorations, faith-based travel, and luxury options. They emphasize comfort, cultural immersion, and local experiences, often including unique dining and hands-on activities.



$4,599
on TourRadar

Organized by Cosmos 21 Days Calgary to Vancouver 19 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for river cruises in the USA.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Efficient: you'll cover a variety of destinations swiftly.
  • Great for Culture Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 5.0 rating

Age Range: 5 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 50
Price per Day: $267

This cruise visits Calgary, Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Banff, Jasper, Prince George, Jasper National Park, Mount Robson Provincial Park, Smithers, Prince Rupert, Inside Passage, Chemainus, Port Hardy, Victoria, Vancouver Island, The Butchart Gardens, Juneau, Campbell River, Skagway, Glacier Bay National Park, Ketchikan, and Vancouver.

  • Sightseeing
  • In-depth Cultural
  • Family
  • River Cruise
  • Partially Guided

By Cosmos
Cosmos is a budget-friendly sister brand of Globus, providing affordable guided tours with essential sightseeing and comfortable accommodations. They aim to make travel accessible while still including expert-led experiences and transportation, often appealing to value-conscious travelers.



$4,941
on TourRadar

Organized by Cosmos 23 Days Calgary to Vancouver 18 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for river cruises in the USA.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Great for Culture Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 5.0 rating

Age Range: 5 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 50
Price per Day: $288

This cruise visits Calgary, Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Banff, Jasper, Prince George, Jasper National Park, Spirit Island, Prince Rupert, Mount Robson Provincial Park, Port Hardy, Inside Passage, Vancouver, Smithers, Chemainus, Victoria, Juneau, The Butchart Gardens, Skagway, Ketchikan, Gulf Islands, and Glacier Bay National Park.

  • Sightseeing
  • In-depth Cultural
  • Family
  • River Cruise
  • Partially Guided

By Cosmos
Cosmos is a budget-friendly sister brand of Globus, providing affordable guided tours with essential sightseeing and comfortable accommodations. They aim to make travel accessible while still including expert-led experiences and transportation, often appealing to value-conscious travelers.



$5,908
on TourRadar

Organized by Collette 9 Days Start/End in Vancouver 7 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for river cruises in the USA.
  • Local Culture: provides in-depth local experiences.

Great for:
  • History Enthusiasts
  • Culture Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 4.8 rating

Age Range: 5 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 44
Price per Day: $294

This cruise visits Vancouver, British Columbia, Inside Passage, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay National Park, and Ketchikan.

  • Sightseeing
  • Historical
  • Local Living
  • River Cruise
  • Cultural Photography
  • Fully Guided

By Collette
Collette is a long-established tour operator offering guided tours with a balance of structured sightseeing and free time. Their trips range from classic group tours to small-group explorations, faith-based travel, and luxury options. They emphasize comfort, cultural immersion, and local experiences, often including unique dining and hands-on activities.



$2,649
on TourRadar

Organized by Globus 12 Days Start/End in Boston 10 Destinations
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Efficient: you'll cover a variety of destinations swiftly.

Great for:
  • Adventure Travelers
  • Culture Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 5.0 rating

Age Range: 5 to 80
Maximum Group Size: 45
Price per Day: $480

This cruise visits Boston, Jackson, NH, Montpelier, Franconia Notch State Park, North Conway, Stowe, Vergennes, Shelburne, Montreal, Cape Breton Island, Quebec City, Portland, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Sydney, Halifax, and Bar Harbor.

  • Coach / Bus
  • Ocean Cruise
  • In-depth Cultural
  • Family
  • River Cruise
  • Fully Guided

By Globus
Globus is a well-established tour company offering premium guided vacations worldwide. They focus on comfort, convenience, and in-depth cultural experiences with centrally located hotels, VIP access to attractions, and expert local guides.



$5,209
on TourRadar

Organized by Globus 17 Days Calgary to Vancouver 17 Destinations
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Efficient: you'll cover a variety of destinations swiftly.

Great for:
  • Animal Lovers
  • History Enthusiasts

starstarstarstarstar 5.0 rating

Age Range: 5 to 80
Maximum Group Size: 46
Price per Day: $626

This cruise visits Calgary, Lake Louise, Jasper National Park, Banff National Park, Kamloops, Spirit Island, Victoria, Jasper, Whistler, Glacier Bay National Park, Sulphur Mountain, Juneau, Banff, Skagway, Misty Fjords National Forest, Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Vancouver, Whitehorse, and Tongass National Forest.

  • Wildlife
  • Sightseeing
  • Historical
  • River Cruise
  • Fully Guided

By Globus
Globus is a well-established tour company offering premium guided vacations worldwide. They focus on comfort, convenience, and in-depth cultural experiences with centrally located hotels, VIP access to attractions, and expert local guides.



$9,733
on TourRadar

Organized by Collette 9 Days Start/End in Amsterdam 11 Destinations
Great for:
  • History Enthusiasts
  • Culture Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 4.6 rating

Age Range: 5 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 44
Price per Day: $578

This cruise visits Holland, Amsterdam, Keukenhof, Arnhem, Middelburg, Ghent, Bruges, Antwerp, Kinderdijk, Rotterdam, Delft, and The Hague.

  • Sightseeing
  • Historical
  • Museum
  • River Cruise
  • Walking Tour
  • Fully Guided

By Collette
Collette is a long-established tour operator offering guided tours with a balance of structured sightseeing and free time. Their trips range from classic group tours to small-group explorations, faith-based travel, and luxury options. They emphasize comfort, cultural immersion, and local experiences, often including unique dining and hands-on activities.



$5,199
on TourRadar

Why does the USA appeal to river cruise passengers?

River cruises in the USA appeal to travelers for their relaxed pace, scenic views, and access to culturally rich, often less-touristed destinations. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and NYC offer plenty of amazing museums and sights to explore. San Francisco is known for its striking bayfront setting, stunning urban hikes, quirky personality, and reputation within the tech industry. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and NYC are foodie destinations with fantastic cuisine and world-class restaurants. With easy, all-inclusive travel arrangements and immersive stops in culturally rich areas, river cruises provide a convenient and enriching way to explore multiple regions in comfort and style.

USA


How much do River Cruises in the USA cost?

The average daily price of River Cruises in the USA is $404 per day. Prices can vary widely due to the included amenities, length of the trip, number of guests on the tour, and many other factors. If you want more information about prices, we have put together a complete analysis of the costs of River Cruises in the USA here.


We partner with TourRadar because they offer the world's largest selection of multi-day organized tours, offering seamless travel experiences while supporting local businesses. It's the perfect way to explore new destinations with ease and confidence.




$404
Average Price Per Day
11
Tours Analyzed
4.8
Average Rating
4
Tour Companies
44
Average Group Size

Which Tour Companies Offer River Cruises?

A number of fantastic tour companies offer river cruises in the USA. These are a few of the best, because they offer the highest rated service, provide the best overall quality, and have the most five-star guest reviews to prove it.

Cosmos

Cosmos logo Cosmos is a large international travel company offering tours all over the world. A number of their tours visit destinations in Europe and North America. Some of their most popular destinations include the U.S., Canada, Italy, and Argentina. The company appeals to travelers of all ages, with many tours focusing on families with children. Many of the tours fall into the mid-range price category. The company's adventures often highlight activities such as snorkelling, cooking classes, and wine tasting.

See All Tours from Cosmos

Collette

Collette logo Collette is a large international travel company offering tours all over the world. Some of their most popular destinations include the U.S., Italy, Great Britain, and France. The company appeals to travelers of all ages, with many tours focusing on families with children. Many of the tours fall into the mid-range price category. The company's adventures often highlight activities such as wine tasting, island hopping, and camping.

See All Tours from Collette

Globus

Globus is a large multi-national travel company which offers tours to destinations around the world. Some of their most popular destinations include the U.S., Great Britain, Italy, and Canada. Some of their offerings cater to families with children. A large number of their tours fall within in the mid-range price category. Travelers usually enjoy the tour activities such as wine tasting, island hopping, snorkelling, and whale watching.

See All Tours from Globus

Truly Egypt Tours

Truly Egypt Tours is a smaller tour company that focuses on Egypt. The company appeals to travelers of all ages, with many tours focusing on families with children. Budget travelers will appreciate the relative affordability of the company's offerings.

See All Tours from Truly Egypt Tours


River Cruise Destinations in the USA

Wondering where river cruise tours visit in the USA? With a variety of stops and destinations along the way, there's something for everyone.

Juneau

Juneau is the capital of the the state of Alaska, but it's also surrounded by one of the largest wilderness areas in the United States. The city is only accessible by sea or air and it is filled with wildlife, history, and nearby glaciers. In town you'll find amazing seafood restaurants and a unique local art scene. Many people visit as part of a cruise, and the town is often bustling with energy and activity.

The landscape is filled with glaciers, mountains, and fjords, making it a dramatic and beautiful destination.

Ketchikan

Ketchikan is an Alaskan town on the Inside Passage that has grown from a local fishing village into a popular cruise ship port. It's a huge fishing destination, particularly salmon fishing, and there is also a local culture that is unique and fascinating. Native American totem poles are a common sight around the town, which is set against the backdrop of snowcapped mountains. You'll find lots of wildlife and salmon spawning streams that ensure the town feels quintessentially Alaskan.

It's located at the southernmost entrance to the Inside Passage, so you can expect dramatic natural beauty and a breathtaking setting.

Chicago

Chicago is a booming metropolis that sits on the edge of Lake Michigan. It is a thriving and diverse city that has theater, shopping, and high-reaching skyscrapers. It's also home to the Willis Tower (previously the Sears Tower), which at one time was the world's tallest building. Visitors appreciate the many museums, sporting events, and entertainment options around town.

The water makes this city a truly unique place to explore, and the world class architecture is not to be missed.

Boston

Boston feels like a living museums with many historical sights that are integral in the founding of the United States. You can follow the Freedom Trail, which takes you through many highlights of the city. Boston also has many beautiful parks, charming townhomes, and a proud and enthusiastic local population. There's a large student population due to the many world-class universities in the area. There are also many popular sports teams.

The history, architecture, and world renowned university campuses all give this city its unique beauty.

More

Other popular destinations for river cruise tours through the USA include Skagway, Glacier Bay National Park, Holland, Grand Rapids, and Montpelier.


Which is cheaper?

Is traveling independently less expensive than taking guided river cruises? The answer isn't straightforward. Guided tours often include services like hotels, transportation, meals, entry tickets, guides, and activities, all of which you would need to arrange and pay for individually if traveling on your own. To determine the cost difference, you'd need to compare the total cost of the tour package with the cost of booking everything separately. You may prefer a less expensive hotel or splurge on dining, so the cost of a tour could either save you money or cost you more. Be sure to review what's included in the tour package before making your comparison.

Also, before booking a tour, make sure you know exactly what is included as tour companies sometimes change their itineraries or included amenities to keep them updated with seasonal changes and customer interests.

More Tour Options

See also The Best Family-Friendly Tours to the USA, The Best Wildlife Tours to the USA, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in the USA, The Best Historical Tours in the USA, The Best 10-Day Tours in the USA, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in the USA, The Best 3-Day Tours in the USA, The Best 2-Week Tours in the USA, The Best 3-Week Tours in the USA, The Best Bicycle Tours in the USA, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in the USA, The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in the USA, The Best Overlanding Trips in the USA, The Best Coach Bus Tours in the USA, The Best Adventure Tours to the USA, The Best Eco Tours in the USA, The Best Train & Rail Tours in the USA, The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in the USA, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in the USA, The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in the USA, The Best Art History, Museums, and Cultural Tours Tours in the USA, The Best Sightseeing Tours in the USA, The Best Cultural Tours in the USA, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in the USA, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in the USA, The Best Music Tours in the USA, The Tours for Animal Lovers in the USA, The Best Photography Tours in the USA, The Best Camping Tours in the USA, The Best Educational Tours in the USA, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in the USA, The Best Self Drive Tours in the USA, The Best Safaris in the USA, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in the USA, The Best Religious Tours in the USA, The Best Walking Tours in the USA, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, The Best Honeymoon Tours in the USA, The Best Tours Under $1000 in the USA, The Best Luxury Tours to the USA, The Best Budget Tours to the USA, The Best Tours for Seniors to the USA, The Best Contiki Tours to the USA, or The Best G Adventures Tours to the USA for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.

Also, if you're departing from a specific destination, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Las Vegas, The Best 3-Day Tours from San Francisco, The Best 3-Day Tours from Los Angeles, The Best 3-Day Tours from New York City, The Best 3-Day Tours from Asheville, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Boston, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seattle, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Washington DC, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Nashville, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New Orleans, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from San Francisco, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Charleston, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Denver, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Fairbanks, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Salt Lake City, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phoenix, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Miami, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rapid City, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Honolulu, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Chicago, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Jackson, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Scottsdale, The Best 10-Day Tours from Honolulu, The Best 10-Day Tours from Las Vegas, The Best 10-Day Tours from Boston, The Best 10-Day Tours from Los Angeles, The Best 10-Day Tours from Anchorage, The Best 10-Day Tours from Washington DC, The Best 10-Day Tours from Denver, The Best 10-Day Tours from Nashville, The Best 10-Day Tours from Bozeman, The Best 10-Day Tours from Chicago, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Las Vegas, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from Honolulu, The Best 2-Week Tours from Atlanta, The Best 2-Week Tours from Phoenix, The Best 2-Week Tours from Denver, The Best 2-Week Tours from Chicago, The Best 2-Week Tours from Boston, The Best 2-Week Tours from Seattle, The Best 2-Week Tours from Salt Lake City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Miami, or The Best 2-Week Tours from Washington DC for more package tour options.

Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.